Author Topic: Just like to clear something up here + Amp advice. (Read 25951 times)

screamingdaisy · « **Reply #30 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:32:40 PM »

Quote from: Crazy_Joe

I play a shitee load of Metallica. Also Ozzy, Mercyful Fate, Slayer, Annihilator etc. stuff, i'm a very 80's player, though i do play a bit on the heavier/modern side of things, e.g. Trivium (purely for the guitars riffs), Kalmah, Ensiferum etc.

Some of the Laney heads will get you there and I believe they're pretty cheap on your side of the pond. I feel they're built better than the stuff Marshall's putting out these days and I feel they sound better than the JCM2000 series stuff.

Quote from: Crazy_Joe

Has anyone seen this new pedal:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXR-Grind-and-Clear-ZW44-Wylde-Overdrive?sku=151029

I don't really see the difference between that and the normal Zakk overdrive, maybe it's just a newer version.

It looks like they ground it to match the wah pedal.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #31 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:34:40 PM »

Quote from: Crazy_Joe

To be honest i don't really need a head, though i was looking at one in my local store, the RH200G2 i think it was, it was 300 odd quid. But as i said it's a bit too powerful for me at the moment.

At the moment the Ashdown Fallen Angel is the top contender.

Has anyone seen this new pedal:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXR-Grind-and-Clear-ZW44-Wylde-Overdrive?sku=151029

I don't really see the difference between that and the normal Zakk overdrive, maybe it's just a newer version.

If I had to guess I'd say it's just new cosmetics.

:twisted:

Crazy_Joe · « **Reply #32 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:46:46 PM »

Quote from: screamingdaisy

Quote from: Crazy_Joe

I play a shitee load of Metallica. Also Ozzy, Mercyful Fate, Slayer, Annihilator etc. stuff, i'm a very 80's player, though i do play a bit on the heavier/modern side of things, e.g. Trivium (purely for the guitars riffs), Kalmah, Ensiferum etc.

Some of the Laney heads will get you there and I believe they're pretty cheap on your side of the pond. I feel they're built better than the stuff Marshall's putting out these days and I feel they sound better than the JCM2000 series stuff.

Quote from: Crazy_Joe

Has anyone seen this new pedal:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXR-Grind-and-Clear-ZW44-Wylde-Overdrive?sku=151029

I don't really see the difference between that and the normal Zakk overdrive, maybe it's just a newer version.

It looks like they ground it to match the wah pedal.

As much as i'd like a head, i don't need one right now, i only need to overpower/match 50 watts of solid state combo at the moment.

screamingdaisy · « **Reply #33 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:55:39 PM »

Quote from: Crazy_Joe

As much as i'd like a head, i don't need one right now, i only need to overpower/match 50 watts of solid state combo at the moment.

Cool.

You'll want to sort out what kind of tone you're after. If you're only looking at competing with a 50w solid state I'd check out any of the 100w or 150w solid states that're out there. Unlike tube, when it comes to solid state it's always best to buy the amp with the most headroom (wattage) that has the sound you're after.

If you're looking at tube, 30w should do you fine.

Crazy_Joe · « **Reply #34 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:58:20 PM »

Well i figured the Fallen Angel FA40 would do me fine, since i think it has a lot of gain being an amp that is designed for metal.

deg0ey · « **Reply #35 on:** August 20, 2006, 11:31:16 PM »

Hmm, at £450 you're sort of on the verge of (what could be described as) good amp territory...

My theory on amps is that you should buy one that will last you a good few years...I started off looking at the 100 watt Vox Valvetronix amp, thinking that it would be sound for gigging with for now and that I can upgrade in a year or so.

However, then I decided that if I buy an amp now, and then in a year buy a new one, I wouldn't be able to afford anything near as good as if I waited a few months and saved up my money, and bought a better amp now.

I would recommend you save for an Engl Screamer combo, as it should manage all the music you want to get fairly easily without pedals - the heaviest I've really gone on mine is Megadeth, but that's only on channel 3 (of 4) so there's plenty of scope to go heavier if needed...

You can find them (I believe) for about £650ish, even less than that if you look used - mine cost me £500 :drink:

Crazy_Joe · « **Reply #36 on:** August 21, 2006, 12:50:46 PM »

Yeah, in my local there is a used Engl Screamer 50 combo, £599 is a bit more than i would like to spend though, and it will take some time to get that kind of money.

CaffeineJunkie · « **Reply #37 on:** August 21, 2006, 01:23:33 PM »

you would probs be able to get that down £50 or so

Crazy_Joe · « **Reply #38 on:** August 21, 2006, 02:22:04 PM »

Well anyways, when i have my amp eventually (which might be quite a few months), which looks like the Ashdown because i'm digging that. What will be the best choice of pickups for thrash/speed metal for the kind of 80's Metallica/Annihilator kinda tone?

deg0ey · « **Reply #39 on:** August 21, 2006, 03:44:33 PM »

Quote from: Crazy_Joe

Yeah, in my local there is a used Engl Screamer 50 combo, £599 is a bit more than i would like to spend though, and it will take some time to get that kind of money.

The way to look at it is this: Try it out, and then go over and try the fallen angel or whatever else you like...Then, after playing them both you can decide whether, although it's more expensive, you'd rather save for the Engl because it's worth it - or if you'd prefer to get the Ashdown :drink:

CaffeineJunkie · « **Reply #40 on:** August 21, 2006, 04:17:23 PM »

arent the painkillers supposed to be for thrash metal???

or am i dreaming things again?

dave_mc · « **Reply #41 on:** August 21, 2006, 04:19:57 PM »

have you actually tried the ashdown? you shouldn't really have a favourite until you've tried everything in your price range...

I wasn't overly impressed with the ashdown for metal, to be honest.

And £600 sounds a lot for a second-hand screamer (unless that includes the 6-button footswitch, which I doubt)- you can get them new for £700 if you shop around (and the newer ones have better, vintage 30, speakers, if the specs are to be believed).

Crazy_Joe · « **Reply #42 on:** August 21, 2006, 04:27:39 PM »

I'm going to try the Ashdown when i get the guitar this week.

dave_mc · « **Reply #43 on:** August 21, 2006, 04:35:51 PM »

^ sure. just make sure to try lots of other amps too- if you only try the ashdown, unless it really sucks, odds are you'll like it...

JJretroTONEGOD · « **Reply #44 on:** August 22, 2006, 12:47:07 PM »

check out the keeley modded Boss MT2 metal zone pedal, and the Keeley modded Boss DS1 Ultra pedals for amazing thrash tones, it's more about effects and amps in my opinion to get that kind of in your face agressive thrash sound. The Keeley/Boss MT2 twilight zone pedal is extremley versitile.

As for amps, try to look for something much lower than 50 watts, you just dont need 50 watts no-one does, cos you can never have them on full so what's the point? you want an amp that can be cranked without permanantley deafaning you, more like a 20 watt valve, or less, this way it actually uses the power valves and it'll sound much warmer overall. Instead of harsh and grainy